Several months ago, I was approached by a journalist who asked to feature my story in That’s Life magazine. I won’t deny it; I was a little wary about sharing my story with her at first. I am not a big reader of ‘real life’ publications (with the exception of those in the GP’s waiting room which are often, let’s face it, several years old). I didn’t want my story to be sensationalised or to be come a joke through some flippant headline.
However, after a little conversation I realised that this could be an excellent opportunity to promote road safety (and of course, my book…). It also gave me the chance to talk about Amber Community and the support they offer on a new platform.
The finished article was published in That’s Life December 2024 MegaMonthly edition and went on sale on November 18th, 2024. The journalist had read the article to me a few weeks prior to it’s publication, so there weren’t any massive suprises. Overall, I am pleased with it.
I’ve shared my story a number of times now (see Catherine Hannah in the media). Prior to That’s Life, I’ve had two interviews with the Geelong advertiser and spoken to the media department at Epworth Hospital. I’ve told my tale at Amber Community Road Trauma Awareness seminars; and had an article printed by Crash Support Network quartlerly newsletter, Sharing our Survival. I’ve been interviewed live for local radio at 94.7 The Pulse; and spoken to a number of road trauma advocates and survivors through social media.
I’m learning that the value in my story- for myself as well as others- is in the telling. I tell and hold back to suit the focus of each context. For example, the radio interview was focussed on my relationship with Amber Community, whilst the focus of the That’s Life article was certainly on the rabbits.
Just as importantly, when sharing my story I tell and hold back to look after myself. I’m not a natural sharer and recovery is not linear; some days I feel more open than others. Having said that, I am finding it easier with practice. I am now a trained Lived Experience Volunteer Speaker with Amber Community. After my first training session, I was in awe of how easily some of the other participants seemed to be ble to share their devestating road trauma experiences. I wrote this poem the following day.
Sharing my Story
Today
you wear your story like a bridal gown.
Sumptuous ivory fabric, promising
dedication, nurture, love.
I am in awe
Formidable beauty
dazzling your trauma
as you speak your truth before your witnesses
a bouquet tossed in advocacy
to those who can’t speak up. Where you tread
heads turn, making their day
that bit better.
Tomorrow
you wear your story like armour.
Metallic plates formed from years
of tears and memory.
I am in awe
Light shatters against your helm
dazzling your trauma
as you stride through No Man’s Land
helping others to build armour of their own
A resounding battle cry to the world
this will not beat us.
I wear my story like underwear.
Not a negligée
but a frayed vest or greying pants
Something only my absolute closest ever sees.
Sometimes I wear it like camo gear
obscured in the undergrowth of a poem.
One day I too will dazzle my trauma
I will wear my story like armour
like a bridal gown
I just haven’t grown into it yet.
(Copyright Catherine Hannah 2024)
Last week I attended my first RTAS (Road Trauma Awareness Seminar) as a speaker. As expected, sharing my story wasn’t easy- for a start, the audience were a few steps away, watching me as I bared my soul. I included more detail, details I had never shared publicly before. I chose to do so because this is a chance to target the problem of dangerous driving choices right at the source. And -as I told my audience that night -I chose to do so in honour of all the people who didn’t make it out of their road traffic collisions, and there are far too many.
